Aquilegia 'Blue Shades'

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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.

Common Name: Columbine

Lovely short-spurred flowers in shades of solid blue appear atop tall mounds of foliage. This is an excellent color for "cooling off" other hot-colored plants in the garden and creating a tranquil space.

Aquilegia is especially lovely when allowed to naturalize in shady, woodland borders. They also have excellent potential as cut flowers, lasting up to 2 weeks in a vase.

Attributes:

Border plantsCut flower or foliageMass PlantingSpecimen or focal point

Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips:

Columbine is easy to grow in loose, average to rich, well-drained soil. Heavy or soggy soils will hasten their demise. They can be grown in full sun or partial shade, though light shade will prolong the flowering time. In the fall, cut plants back to their basal foliage. In the spring, remove only the dead leaves.

Columbine is sometimes affected by leaf miners. If this happens, cut the foliage all the way back to the ground and discard it. Healthy, new growth will emerge quickly. Propagate by sowing named seed rather than by division; mature plants do not like to be disturbed.

History:

Both the flowers and the leaves of Columbine are reminiscent of doves (columba is Latin for "dove"). Columbines often represent the dove of peace in religious artwork.

While every effort has been made to describe this plant accurately, please keep in mind that the height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates throughout the country. The description of this plant was written based on our experience growing it in Michigan (USDA hardiness zone 5) and on numerous outside resources.